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We wrote a blog recently about why people miss interviews. But sometimes it can’t be easily explained. The following instance happened to us recently, and we know it happens to other recruiters too. Let’s look at the psychology of someone who: has approached us for new work opportunities is willing to have a lengthy conversation about job roles sends their CV for consideration agrees to have their CV forwarded for a role confirms acceptance for an interview spends considerable time being prepped for their interview the day before the interview And then: doesn’t turn up for the interview is non-responsive by phone or email for days decides to hang up on the recruiter when they finally answer the phone (called from a previously unused number) It doesn’t make sense, why would someone go through all that time and trouble in readiness for an interview only to backtrack in a big way, arriving at a point where they are not even willing to speak or communicate with the recruiter? There was a definite time when they decided not to go to the interview. And there was a definite time when they decided against phoning up to say “I’ve changed my mind, I don’t want to do the interview.” What we think when candidates miss interviews Every time this happens we ask the same question, has there been an accident or some emergency? Because that’s a natural reaction to someone missing an appointment. Something had to have happened. Our first thoughts when the client rings us up to confirm a missed interview is always, ‘I wonder if they are all right, I hope they haven’t been involved in an accident or something.’ Because most people on stretchers don’t answer their phones. It is human nature to assume circumstances were out of control. Not that they were wilful and complicit. As such we always phrase our initial email to the candidate in the same way, “I hope you didn’t miss your interview because of an emergency,” secretly hoping that it was and our candidate’s reputation is maintained. It nearly always turns out otherwise. They have decided to miss the interview and then gone to ground. Only once has it ever happened that a candidate had actually been involved in an accident. Once, in fifteen years of recruitment experience. Once! How much time and effort was wasted: client’s waiting time (the client will have cleared time in their schedule especially for this and there may have been more than one interviewer) client phoning the recruiter recruiter phoning candidate recruiter phoning candidate recruiter texting candidate recruiter emailing candidate recruiter phoning client recruiter phoning candidate recruiter raising issue with colleagues recruiter’s colleague phoning candidate recruiter explaining to client me writing this (although it is more time-spent-in-catharsis than wasted)! What does it say about the candidate? they are unreliable (they have let people down) their communication skills are limited (they have none) they cannot be trusted (ever again?) it demonstrates how they might react when things get tough and they crawl silently into their shell (this wasn’t even tough!) they have a dispassionate relationship with responsibility (they disappear rather than explain) What’s the psychology? There are a few legitimate explanations: 1.) They had a very good reason for missing the interview, but because of inexperience, they haven’t learnt an appropriate way to convey their predicament. They think their excuse won’t be believed and seek to avoid explanation entirely. 2.) Some sort of terrible anxiety, which means they are unable to provide an excuse, whether real or not, to explain their non attendance. They automatically assume that this means they will not be asked back for another interview and hence the entire negotiation is off. 3.) They just don’t care. They have no sense of how their actions have impacted upon others and seek to avoid further, unnecessary communication. The candidate should always be honest! There is a bottom line here and it’s entirely appropriate and reasonable to cancel an interview, or to realise that the job offer just isn’t right. It is entirely reasonable to have some conflict with an existing role and back out, at any time. It is the candidates right to do so. People have good reasons and bad reasons and these personal choices are usually respected by the recruiter. However, it seems wholly irrational to suddenly go black-ops and disappear, without offering any explanation or excuse. There’s a palpable ignorance in being unresponsive to both phone calls and emails from recruiters, after the candidate had authorised them to represent him/her at multiple stages in the process. For a recruiter this is one of the more frustrating and unnecessary aspects of the job. It becomes worse when that same candidate applies to the same agency again often for the same job. The recruiter will remember them. If the candidates CV ends up with the hiring company again, the client will remember them. The candidate, sadly, doesn’t remember. So the issue continues – How do you deal with these candidates? Source: www.ascentpeople.com #interviews

Workers in Ghana will see a 10 percent increase in the daily minimum wage from January 2018, the National Tripartite Committee has announced. This development came after a meeting held between the government, labour and the employers association. As such, the minimum wage is set to increase from GHC 8.80 to GHC 9.68 daily. The committee has also directed that all establishments and organizations whose daily minimum wage is below the national directed wage to adjust it upwards, warning that those who flout the new rate would be sanctioned.

Are you having difficulties marketing and or selling to an African audience? Perhaps you should reevaluate your marketing techniques. Prior to relocating to Ghana, my way of marketing and working, in general, was mainly via digital and online platforms. After relocating, I realized that while these methods were very effective abroad, they were not as effective in reaching a large audience in Ghana. This is probably the case in most African countries. Digital and online marketing, commonly known as Above The Line (ATL) marketing, is a great way to target the urban youth and the global audience. However, if you want to reach adults and local residents living in rural areas, your best bet is to use effective Below The Line (BTL) marketing techniques, such as, on-the-ground activations and promotions. In Ghana, ATL marketing is effective because most people are almost always tuned into their local radio or television stations. The use of the internet has only increased recently because of the rising use of mobile technology. As a marketer, you have to know how to adapt to this environment. The solution is not to give up on the old tactics you know or are familiar with but instead, effectively incorporate new strategies to help you become a well-rounded marketer. So what characteristics do you need to be a great marketer in the African context? What marketing strategies are effective for engaging the African market? Well, I discuss them below. Characteristics Of A Great African Marketer I’ve always considered myself lucky to have the skills of a marketer. At times, I wonder if one is born a marketer or can learn to become a marketer. I believe effective marketers are born with certain traits and also learn as they go. The world is always changing so we must be able to change with the times. Here are 10 characteristics of a true African marketer: Have a genuine passion for people Honest, personable and approachable Possess networking skills Embrace and drive change Stay connected to an African audience Communicate effectively Passionate Innovative and thinks outside the box Take chances Wholehearted belief in the product they are selling Remember, good marketers can market and sell any product, but great marketers choose the products they want to market and sell. They are persistent and do not understand the word “No”. They are led by passion and the need to connect the right people to the right product. They understand their target demographic and will go to great lengths to connect them to that product. Next, we discuss strategies for marking effectively in the African context. Strategies For Marketing Effectively in the African Market Now, with these characteristics, you must be willing to do some things differently to gain traction in the African market. Let’s discuss a few strategies below. Establish Strong Genuine Relationships- Often many of us like to take the conventional networking approach. I’ve been guilty of this in the past. We attend an event, meet someone and have a two-minute conversation then request for a business card. Effective marketers actually take the time to follow up and establish rapport with potential clients, sponsors, partners, and their audience. In Ghana it is all about who you know. Therefore, establishing relationships is crucial to your success in almost any field. Sustain Relationships - One of the most important lessons I have learned is that it is not enough to establish relationships with people. Sustaining those relationships plays a crucial role in the success of your marketing strategies.It is one thing to establish relationships but what are you doing to sustain them? Sustaining relationships are one of the hardest and most challenging things to do because it requires time but, it is none the less a great investment. An occasional phone call, email, or visit helps you to stay connected. Form Strategic Alliances/Partnerships - It is a fact that we all need someone and cannot get to where we are going alone. Form strategic partnerships that are mutually beneficial. Align yourself with people who have a similar mission and your best interest at heart. They will help you sell or market your product. In Ghana, having notable sponsors and partners as part of your event validates your event somehow. Rarely do you see fliers or posters without sponsors. However, you want to be strategic in forming these alliances and not overdo it. Networkability - Word-of-mouth continues to be the #1 effective way of marketing. As a marketer, it is your responsibility to go out and network constantly. Whether your goal is to increase your clientele or fan base, go out there and meet the right people who will help get you to your goal. True marketers understand that time is of the essence. There is no need speaking with everyone in the room, just key people who you share commonalities and a similar vision. Communicate Effectively and Believe In The Product - As a marketer your verbal and written communication must be up to par. You have to believe in what you are selling in order for people to believe in it as well. Therefore, your way of communicating must be clear, concise, convincing, and easily understood. Think Marketing - True marketers are always thinking about marketing. They apply marketing to almost any and everything around them. To conclude, marketing in Africa is very different from marketing in the States. Sitting behind your PC expecting to reach a large number of consumers is not ideal. BTL marketing is king, therefore, you must be willing to go out and connect with people. I hope this article has been helpful if you are a marketer or marketing to an African audience. For more information please visit us www.KUSIconsulting.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. #marketing #strategies #Africa #Ghana

When you have a busy work schedule, keeping fit and staying in shape is often pushed down the priority list and seen as “too time consuming.” No matter how busy you get, staying fit must also be on that busy schedule. It not only keeps you active, it is a smart, healthy living. Certainly, it is difficult and looks pretty much impossible trying to combine work, life and fitness because these days people have less free time than ever before. In a tough economy where people’s minds are focused on making ends meet, exercise is undoubtedly pushed to the bottom on the list of important activities for the day. Though the twenty-four-hour cycle may not seem enough, there is still the need to get creative and prioritise exercise and wellness routine to reduce stress levels and improve work-life balance. But the big question pops up: how can a person fix exercising and staying in shape into an already super-packed schedule?” Lifestyle experts say some simple changes can help one balance work and fitness. People turn to be too ambitious in their fitness goals and that is why they think it is time consuming and cannot be fitted into their busy schedules. It can be as simple as parking a little further away from your office and walking the rest of the journey, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, squeezing in mini workouts while on break, chair exercises, having lunch at least half a mile away from your office among others. Even a ten-minute break for dancing, stretching and walking around the office can have tremendous benefits. Our work in modern times has been tailored such that we spend most of the time sitting; unfortunately, that is not very healthy. As if sitting for long hours is not enough, our sitting posture is also terrible. We have to ensure the maintenance of a forward head posture with our chairs in the right height to reduce neck and back strain. There is the need to learn to relax; do not sacrifice too much of your sleep else you will be feeling cranky for most part of your day at work. Nothing can be exchanged for staying fit and being in shape. Consider fitness as part of your job description. Find ways to incorporate work and fitness and you would be amazed at how your productivity levels increase. #work #fitness #exercise

“Oh boy! With the way work is eating up all my strength, I am certain that I would pass for a skeleton in a matter of time. I need a serious break no matter how short or inadequate it appears to be. Unfortunately, I can’t apply for a leave whatsoever from the company since there is a lot going on at the moment and moreover, the season for applying for such is past gone.” Are you buried in a similar dilemma like the above and have no idea how to regain all the lost strength your job has devoured? Well, lucky you! Here’s how to make up for a stressful day at work. DROP YOUR SUITCASE OR BAG Immediately you return from work, drop your suitcase or bag where it belongs, grab a glass of water and soak yourself in the tender grip of a sofa or an armchair whilst stretching your legs at the same time. Spend about 5 minutes doing this. TAKE A SHOWER Next, you want to walk into the bathroom and drown your worries in the belly of the shower. Allow the water to run over your body so it can massage the aching parts of your body. After spending 15 to 20 minutes doing this, you should now feel refreshed enough to face the rest of the night. POUNCE ON A SUMPTUOUS MEAL By now, the microphones in your stomach are singing a war song because you’ve not fed them so here is your chance to sit back and enjoy a heartwarming and stomach filling meal. If you think it is too late for a proper meal, then treat yourself to some snacks or beverage. No matter what happens, do not skip this part of the routine. SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY Apparently, you can’t keep your family at a distance because you’ve had a stressful day. So, join the family and spend the little time with them. Share a laugh or two, it would mold you. PUT YOUR PHONE ON SILENT AND MUTE YOUR EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS You can’t enjoy your night with your phone switched on in the first place but for emergency’s sake, it is advisable to put your phone on silence so your sleep would not be interrupted with intermittent calls. Same way, you would have to mute your email notifications and put off your data as well. WALK MAJESTICALLY INTO YOUR BEDROOM The moment you have been waiting for is finally due. Now, you are at liberty to walk majestically into your bedroom, lie on the bed, play your favorite kind of music preferably cools or instrumentals, close your eyes and permit sleep to abduct you. It wasn’t that hard, was it? Now, you are sure to wake up from such a peaceful night with twice the energy used up the previous day whilst at work. You do not need to take a leave to ensure that you have some good rest from a stressed day. You can equally make up for what you lost during the day by making good use of the night. #work #stress